She alleged Jackson entered the business armed with a 20cm to 30cm long knife and in an agitated state.

Const Barrow said he challenged a worker to fight and punched the man in the face.

Police allege Jackson walked towards another worker who was operating the excavator and ran the knife along his own neck and said, "I'm going to kill you".

Const Barrow said he hit a worker who tried to reason with him, causing bruising, swelling and lacerations to the man's face.

She said when Jackson dropped the knife some workers tried to restrain him and he bit one man's arm.

Const Barrow said Jackson's victims had to be treated at Rockhampton Hospital and a disease test order application had been made for the worker who had been bitten.

Jackson said he was angry they started the excavator so early and often worked so late.

The duty lawyer representing Jackson, Joanne Madden, said her client was on holidays at a relative's home nearby and the business working hours had been a "long-standing issue".

Ms Madden said Jackson had made numerous complaints to police and the council. She said he normally lived in Brisbane, but needed to attend Rockhampton Hospital on February 2 relating to a brain tumour he needed removed.